New Book on the Geirfinnur Case Released on 50th Anniversary of Disappearance
A new book exploring the infamous unsolved case of Geirfinnur Einarsson’s disappearance hits the shelves today, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of this enduring mystery in Icelandic history. The initial report, “Man Missing in Keflavik,” published in Morgunblaðið on November 22, 1974, marked the beginning of what would become Iceland’s most extensive and well-known criminal case. Despite the passage of half a century, the case remains unresolved.
The Disappearance of Geirfinnur Einarsson
Geirfinnur Einarsson, a 32-year-old married father of two from Keflavik, vanished on November 19, 1974. The police linked his case to an unsolved smuggling operation and another disappearance earlier that year, that of Guðmundur Einarsson. The investigation became collectively known as the ‘Guðmundur and Geirfinnur Case.’ Despite extensive investigations, neither man has been found. Six individuals were initially convicted for the murders and related offenses, but it was later revealed that police and prison officials had violated their rights, leading to a partial reopening of the case in 2018.
Unraveling the Mystery
Over the past five decades, the Geirfinnur case has been the subject of numerous documentaries, films, radio shows, podcasts, and approximately 20 books. The latest addition, “Leitin að Geirfinni” (The Search for Geirfinnur), authored by Sigurður Björgvin Sigurðsson and Jón Ármann Steinsson, provides a new analysis of the case. Jón Ármann remarks, “This is where we find him, where we discover his fate.”
Controversial Investigations
According to the book, a call allegedly made to Geirfinnur on the evening of November 19, asking him to meet an unidentified person in Hafnarbúðin in Keflavik, is disputed, with no evidence supporting the claim. Witnesses have reported hearing screams from Geirfinnur’s home and garage that night. A key witness, a child at the time, claims to have seen Geirfinnur being killed, but his testimony was dismissed due to his age.
Challenges in Seeking the Truth
This latest publication criticizes the police’s handling of the investigation, echoing past criticisms of misdirection and cover-ups. “The real criminals in this story are the police and the justice system,” states Jón Ármann. The book suggests that a nonsensical theory was quickly developed and inconvenient facts were ignored.
The Unpublished Chapter
The book comprises 12 chapters, with an additional unprinted chapter containing sensitive information about those responsible for Geirfinnur’s death. Jón Ármann plans to present this chapter to prosecutors or the Ministry of Justice, asserting, “We have investigative authority almost like journalists, and we have gathered information pointing to culpability. However, we cannot publish these details in the book.”
Lessons from the Past
Sigursteinn Másson, a writer and journalist who has extensively covered the case, reflects on the initial errors and unprofessional practices that derailed the investigation from the start. “This case has accompanied me for 27, 28 years. It became clear that serious mistakes were made,” he says.
Public Fascination
The mystery surrounding Geirfinnur’s disappearance continues to captivate the public. Sigursteinn explains, “In the beginning, conspiracy theories, akin to a mafia plot, were fabricated around Geirfinnur Einarsson’s disappearance. These baseless theories are unique in Icelandic judicial history, and how the suspects were treated, including their isolation, is unprecedented globally.”
Seeking Justice and Truth
The Geirfinnur case endures as a symbol of the need for justice and factual integrity. Sigursteinn emphasizes the importance of relying on reliable evidence rather than rumors and theories. “We owe it to all those involved, especially those wrongfully convicted, to base our understanding on facts,” he asserts.
Will the Case Ever Be Solved?
As the mystery marks its 50th anniversary, there remains hope that individuals with knowledge of the events might come forward. “There may be people alive today who know what happened,” Sigursteinn concludes, “We owe it to Geirfinnur, his family, and those unjustly affected by this case to pursue the truth.”